In accordance with the present invention novel polyurethane PSAs containing water soluble polymer additives have enhanced water uptake. The water soluble polymer additives suitable for use herein have a solubility parameter in poorly hydrogen-binding solvents (e.g., hexane, cyclohexane and the like) in the range of from 8-10. The water soluble polymers must also be free from moieties which will react with isocyanates. Such PSAs retain their transparency and peel strength characteristics and can still be employed as relatively thin films (i.e., 2 to 100 mils) while exhibiting only minimal swelling when in contact with moist environments.